Teaching Meditation Stephen Zerfas: Making the Jhanas Accessible
Jun 27, 2025
Stephen Zerfas, founder of Jhourney, is dedicated to making meditation accessible through the Jhanas. In this engaging discussion, he shares how these transformative experiences are gaining popularity in mainstream culture. Stephen reflects on the teacher-student relationship in meditation and the emotional challenges that can arise during retreats. He also explores the balance between desire and surrender in achieving jhana states, and introduces innovative retreat concepts that fit into modern life, emphasizing community building and the importance of support in the meditation journey.
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Jhanas' Popularity Surge Factors
- The rise of jhanas' popularity coincided with niche academic interest, a rationalist online community, and tech-oriented meditation retreats.
- Stephen Zerfas credits Journey's timing and approach for surfing a wave bringing jhanas into mainstream attention.
Jhanas as a Growth Trojan Horse
- Jhanas are the beginning of the path offering personal growth through awareness, love, and releasing mental tension.
- The lasting impact comes not just from peak experiences but transforming traits like eliminating the inner critic.
Jhana Progression Mirrors Life's Flow
- Jhana states follow a natural arc from intense ecstasy to deep contentment and stillness.
- Embracing the full range of emotions leads to lasting bliss from the process of letting go.